Galfer Brake Pad Compounds Explained

Choosing the right brake pad compound is crucial for optimal braking performance, safety, and longevity of your braking system. Galfer, with over 60 years of experience in friction material production, understands that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn't cut it. They offer a diverse range of brake pad compounds tailored to various riding styles and demands, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your ATV, off-road bike, street motorcycle, or racing machine. This guide will delve into the different Galfer brake pad compounds, helping you make an informed decision.

Understanding Brake Pad Compounds

Brake pads are the unsung heroes of your braking system. They work by creating friction against the brake rotor, converting kinetic energy into heat, which slows your vehicle down. The material composition of the brake pad, known as the compound, significantly influences its performance characteristics, including stopping power, heat resistance, wear rate, and rotor compatibility.

Galfer's Diverse Range of Compounds

Galfer has meticulously developed several distinct compounds, each engineered for specific applications:

Semi-Metallic / Organic Brake Pads (G1054 Compound)

The G1054 compound represents the 'workhorse' of the Galfer brake pad family. This versatile compound is a popular choice for a wide array of applications, offering a balanced blend of performance and durability.

Key Features of G1054:

• Great Feel and Modulation: The G1054 provides excellent feedback to the rider, allowing for precise control over braking pressure. This translates to smoother stops and increased confidence, especially in varied riding conditions.
• Long-Lasting and Low Rotor Wear: One of the standout benefits of this compound is its longevity. It is designed to minimise wear on your brake rotors, extending the life of your entire braking system and reducing maintenance costs.
• Good in Wet and Dry Conditions: Whether you're caught in a sudden downpour or enjoying a sunny day, the G1054 performs reliably. Its ability to maintain consistent braking in both wet and dry environments makes it a truly all-weather solution.
• Versatile Application: This compound is incredibly adaptable, finding its place in street riding, commuting, light trail riding, off-road adventures, and even as a race compound for karts. Its GG rating signifies a high level of performance suitable for almost any need.

If you're looking for a dependable brake pad for your daily commute, occasional trail rides, or simply need a reliable all-around performer, the G1054 is an excellent choice. Its progressive feel and feedback make it suitable for front and rear calipers across a broad spectrum of vehicles, including street bikes, ATVs, and cruisers.

Sintered / Advanced Ceramic Brake Pads (G1370, G1375, G1300 Compounds)

Sintered brake pads are manufactured using a process where powdered metal alloys are heated and compressed under high pressure. This results in a denser, more durable, and heat-resistant material compared to organic or semi-metallic pads. Galfer's sintered offerings are engineered for more demanding conditions and higher performance requirements.

G1370 Compound: The Balanced Sintered Choice

The G1370 compound can be thought of as a refined version of the G1375, offering many of its high-performance characteristics with a slight modification.

Key Features of G1370:

• Excellent Heat Recovery: This compound excels at dissipating heat, allowing for quick recovery between braking cycles. This means more consistent braking performance, even during spirited riding.
• Easy on Discs: Despite its sintered nature, the G1370 is designed to be gentle on your brake rotors, minimising wear and extending their lifespan.
• Ideal for Breakfast Runs: If you enjoy leisurely rides or 'breakfast runs' where smooth, consistent braking is desired, this compound is an outstanding option.
• Wide Application: The G1370 is available for a majority of Galfer's applications, making it a widely accessible high-performance choice.

For riders who want the benefits of sintered technology without the extreme demands of a full-blown race pad, the G1370 offers a superb balance of performance, longevity, and rotor-friendliness.

G1375 Compound: The Track-Focused Performer

Developed through extensive testing on the racetrack and brake dynos, the G1375 compound is Galfer's answer for aggressive street riders and racers.

Key Features of G1375:

• Advanced Ceramics: Based on advanced ceramic composites, this compound is built to withstand higher temperatures than standard semi-metallic pads, ensuring consistent performance under intense braking.
• Superior Feel and Modulation: With an 'HH' friction rating, the G1375 delivers exceptional feel and modulation, giving riders precise control even at the limit.
• Fast Heat Recovery: This compound's ability to recover heat quickly is a significant advantage for performance riding, providing consistent braking power lap after lap or during demanding road conditions.
• Rotor-Friendly Design: Despite its high performance, the G1375 is designed to be very easy on rotors, containing lower levels of metallic content than many OEM and aftermarket alternatives.
• Ceramic-Coated Back Plate: A standout feature is the ceramic-coated back plate. This innovation helps to dissipate heat away from the brake pad and reduces heat transfer into the caliper pistons. The result is a cooler-running system that can handle more heat cycles and deliver unwavering braking performance.

The G1375 is the pad of choice for aggressive street riders and competitors at club levels and AMA events. It's particularly recommended for supersport and superbike applications (600cc – 1000cc) for front calipers.

G1300 Compound: Pro-Level Initial Bite

For the most demanding riders seeking an immediate and powerful response, the G1300 compound is engineered for professional and top semi-pro road racing and supermotard applications.

Key Features of G1300:

• Exceptional Initial Bite: The G1300 is designed to deliver a very strong and immediate initial bite, providing riders with the confidence to brake later and harder.
• Controlled Progression: While offering aggressive initial bite, the compound also provides a predictable and linear progression of power, allowing for excellent control and predictability during braking.
• Sintered Ceramic Construction: Utilising a sintered ceramic material, this compound offers superior heat resistance and durability for professional racing environments.

If you are a professional or highly experienced rider who demands the utmost in initial braking response and control, the G1300 is the compound to consider.

Comparative Table: Galfer Brake Pad Compounds

To help you visualise the differences, here's a comparison of the key characteristics:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which Galfer brake pad compound is best for everyday commuting?

For everyday commuting, the G1054 (Semi-Metallic/Organic) compound is an excellent choice. It offers a great balance of feel, modulation, and longevity, along with low rotor wear and reliability in various weather conditions.

Q2: I ride aggressively on the street and occasionally track days. Which pad should I choose?

If you ride aggressively on the street and participate in track days, the G1375 (Sintered Advanced Ceramic) compound is highly recommended. Its advanced ceramic composition provides superior heat resistance and consistent performance under demanding conditions, while its ceramic-coated back plate helps keep the system cooler.

Q3: Are sintered brake pads harder on my rotors?

While sintered pads are generally more aggressive due to their harder composition, Galfer has engineered the G1370, G1375, and G1300 compounds to be low on rotor wear. They achieve this through advanced material compositions and designs, including ceramic coatings, ensuring your rotors last longer compared to many other sintered options on the market.

Q4: What does 'HH' friction rating mean?

'HH' is the highest friction rating assigned by industry standards. It indicates that the brake pad provides the maximum possible stopping power and friction coefficient. Galfer's HH-rated compounds, like the G1375, deliver exceptional braking performance.

Q5: How do I know if I need a different compound for my front or rear brakes?

Brake pad compounds can be different for front and rear applications to optimise braking balance. Front brakes typically handle more of the stopping load. For instance, the G1375 is specifically noted for front calipers in supersport and superbike applications. It's always best to consult Galfer's specific application charts or contact them directly to ensure you select the correct compound for both your front and rear calipers based on your motorcycle model and riding style.

Making Your Enquiry

If you have any questions or need assistance in selecting the perfect Galfer brake pads for your vehicle, don't hesitate to reach out. You can send an email with your motorcycle's Make, Model, and Year, along with the specific compound you are interested in. This will help Galfer provide you with the most accurate recommendations.

Investing in the right brake pads is an investment in your safety and riding experience. With Galfer's range of compounds, you can be confident in finding a solution that perfectly matches your needs, whether you're cruising the city streets or pushing the limits on the race track.